Declining since 2004, #579 for girls today.
Popularity of Kyla since 1940
Babies named Kyla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 221 |
| 1960s | 542 |
| 1970s | 1,524 |
| 1980s | 4,067 |
| 1990s | 8,366 |
| 2000s | 16,074 |
| 2010s | 9,474 |
| 2020s | 3,386 |
Meaning & origin
Kyla first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1940, and by the 2000s it reached its peak popularity, ranking 579th in 2005 with its highest usage in 2004. The name has been on a gradual decline since 2004, settling into a pattern of modest but steady use. Geographically, Kyla has shown particular affinity in Hawaii, Iowa, and South Carolina, where it ranks above the national average. Its straightforward pronunciation and feminine 'a' ending have helped it maintain a consistent presence without becoming overly common. As a modern derivative of the well-established Kyle, Kyla offers a softer alternative that balances familiarity with distinctiveness.
Kyla is a modern feminine variant of Kyle, itself an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Caol or Caolan, derived from caol meaning 'narrow' or 'strait.' Originally a surname and place name in Scotland, Kyle became used as a given name in the 20th century, with Kyla emerging as a feminine form in English-speaking countries. Its rise in popularity was further influenced by the trend of names ending in 'a' for girls.
Where Kyla is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kyla” around the world
Where Kyla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ky
Sibling names for Kyla
Names that share Kyla's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kailey, Maya, Hailey, Aria, Sienna, Chyna, Jayna, Kayle, Myla, Tyla, Anyla, Jaela, Jaila, Kenda, Shylah, Bralynn, Breah, Chyla, Kanyla, Keela, Kennah, Kensi, Kevina, Kilah, Kyann, Nakya, Naylah, Niyla, Ryla, Rylah, Shaylah, Shian, Takeya, Tylah, Aylla, Haeli, Jakaylah, Kaula, Keiri, Kylia, Kyona, Shanyla, Syanne, Vayla, Vyla, Xayla, Jaid, Keliah, Bryla, Haila, Jakerria, Jyla, Kamy, Kmya, Knyla, Naleyah, Skyann
Brothers: Kyle, Liam, Caleb, Ethan, Noah, Kallan, Kason, Kylan, Kylon, Kyrin, Deavion, Devlyn, Jaelon, Kaige, Kasin, Keenon, Kemon, Kile, Kyair, Kyjuan, Kyre, Kyshawn, Tayveon, Breylon, Brylon, Devell, Kahne, Kamon, Kaymen, Kayron, Kerron, Khalen, Khalon, Khyre, Klye, Koden, Kshawn, Kypton, Kyshaun, Montay, Mylen, Rylon, Trevaun, Xylan, Zakry, Ayeden, Dmauri, Jaydian, Kayman, Kelten, Kendarrius, Keymon, Khael, Khye, Khyzer, Kie, Kieon, Kuron, Kvion, Kymere, Kyrel, Kyston, Kyvon
Names like Kyla
Names whose popularity has moved with Kyla's over the last 50 years.
